Dashakam 18 In the form of Pithru

This episode is significant for narrating the story of King Vena and his son King Prithu. King Vena, a descendant of King Dhruva, was a wicked ruler who neglected the welfare of his kingdom and stopped the performance of sacred sacrifices and rites, angering the sages. Due to his tyranny and disrespect towards the sages, he was cursed and killed by them. After Vena's death, the sages churned his body, and from this process emerged Prithu, who is considered a great and righteous king as well as a minor incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

King Prithu is celebrated for restoring order and prosperity to the earth, which was depleted during Vena’s reign. He is known for his heroic deeds, such as "milking the earth" like a cow to ensure the earth's fertility and abundance of resources for his people. Prithu is symbolic of the ideal ruler who brings balance and welfare to the kingdom, aligned with divine will and cosmic order.

Thus, Dashakam 18 underscores themes of destruction of adharma (unrighteousness) through the fall of Vena and the establishment of dharma (righteousness) through Prithu’s reign—emphasizing divine intervention in maintaining cosmic and social order through incarnate kingship and spiritual law.

This Dashakam continues the cosmic and moral narrative found in previous Dashakams, focusing on the importance of righteous rule and divine grace in sustaining the world.

Namaskarams and Dhanyavadaha to Smt Savithri Ramesh and Smt Asha Murarka for their help.